The agency announced this in a statement emphasizing that the action aligns with its statutory responsibilities under the SON Act No. 14 of 2015, which mandates it to regulate and ensure the quality and safety of goods circulating in Nigeria.

Director-General of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, underscored the critical role of quality control, especially in products like tyres, which directly impact public safety on highways. He warned that both new and used tyres have a shelf life of four years and can fail catastrophically if used beyond that period.

Dr. Okeke also highlighted the risks posed by improper storage, stating that exposure to extreme temperatures can compromise the integrity of tyres, making them hazardous. He urged Nigerians to report suspected substandard goods to SON offices or through the organization’s toll-free line.

“Our mission is to protect consumers, and the destruction of these goods reflects our unwavering commitment to that goal,” Okeke said. “We cannot afford to allow unsafe products into our markets—doing so puts lives at risk and undermines national standards.”

He added that the agency remains vigilant and would continue to take decisive action against the importation, production, and sale of substandard products.

SON reaffirmed its appeal to manufacturers, importers, and distributors to prioritize compliance and quality, noting that regulatory enforcement will remain firm to protect public health and consumer trust.

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This decision comes amid growing concerns over Nigeria’s rising building collapse crisis, which has resulted in loss of lives and property.

Rising Building Collapses and Weak Enforcement Measures

Billy Osawaru, an Edo lawmaker who sponsored the motion, urged the House to demand stronger enforcement from SON. He stressed the urgent need to eliminate fake and substandard building materials from the Nigerian market. Without strict quality control measures, he warned, unsafe construction practices will continue to endanger public safety. According to him, weak regulatory oversight and the influx of inferior materials are major contributors to Nigeria’s high building collapse rate.

Citing data from the Building Collapse Prevention Guild, Osawaru revealed that Nigeria recorded 47 building collapses across 14 states in 2024. Lagos accounted for 56% of these cases, recording 13 incidents, while Abuja followed with six collapses, representing 4.37% of the total. He further disclosed that within the first months of 2025, at least three additional building collapses have already led to multiple deaths and injuries.

Osawaru expressed deep concern over reports that SON reversed its decision to shut down the 18 companies implicated in producing substandard materials. Allegedly, the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment influenced this reversal, sparking widespread criticism over the government’s commitment to enforcing quality standards. Osawaru warned that if left unchecked, these companies will continue to exploit weak enforcement mechanisms, flooding the market with low-quality materials, while exporting higher-quality products to countries with stricter regulations.

Lawmakers Push for Strict Regulations

Studies indicate that 53% of building collapses in Nigeria result from poor-quality materials and unskilled labor. Most affected buildings are private residential structures executed by local contractors who cut corners to maximize profits. The consequences have been devastating, Osawaru lamented, leading to countless preventable deaths.

The House of Representatives has now resolved to conduct a full-scale investigation into SON’s regulatory failures. Lawmakers will examine the agency’s enforcement practices, scrutinize its decision-making processes, and hold responsible parties accountable for compromising safety standards. The investigation aims to introduce strong recommendations to tackle Nigeria’s substandard building material crisis.

This probe could become a defining moment for Nigeria’s construction industry, testing the government’s resolve to protect its citizens from preventable disasters. If negligence or regulatory failure is uncovered, SON and other relevant agencies may face intense scrutiny and pressure to implement stricter oversight across the sector.

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This call was made during a national conference organized by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment in Abuja. Themed “Adherence to Standard Practices: Bedrock of Sustainable Development in the Building/Construction Sector,” the conference gathered key players from across the industry to address critical safety and regulatory challenges.

A communique signed by SON Director General, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, emphasized the urgent need to reinstate SON’s presence at Nigeria’s ports. Thirteen years ago, a directive was issued to remove the organization from ports to ease business operations, but stakeholders argue that this decision has compromised safety. Without direct oversight at the ports, SON cannot physically inspect and verify construction materials before issuing Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) certificates, increasing the risk of substandard materials flooding the market and endangering public safety.

According to SON, the recurring incidents of collapsed buildings stem from non-compliance with established construction standards, the use of inferior materials, and the engagement of unqualified personnel. While Nigeria has adopted several foreign building codes, experts stress that these regulations must be adapted to local environmental and economic conditions to be truly effective. Given the country’s current economic challenges and inflation-driven spikes in construction material prices, adhering to quality standards has become increasingly difficult for developers.

The conference participants strongly advocated for legal enforcement to ensure only certified professionals handle structural designs and construction projects. They recommended that SON enforce stricter certification requirements for all building materials used in Nigeria. Additionally, they called for laws that impose severe penalties on developers, contractors, and clients who fail to comply with safety regulations. A significant proposal from the conference was the mandatory routine integrity testing of buildings, particularly when modifications are made that alter their original structural intent.

Dr. Okeke noted that Nigeria’s rapid urbanization and population growth have placed unprecedented pressure on the construction sector, making quality control more critical than ever. While the demand for affordable housing continues to rise, it is imperative to balance accessibility with safety and sustainability. Despite numerous public awareness campaigns led by SON, many industry stakeholders still lack sufficient knowledge of the standards required for building safe and durable structures.

Another major recommendation from the conference was ensuring that professionals in the building sector operate strictly within their areas of expertise. Contractors, suppliers, and artisans were urged to commit to using only approved materials and strictly adhering to best practices. The participants also emphasized the need for educational institutions to integrate construction safety standards into their curricula to bridge the knowledge gap among future professionals. SON was further encouraged to maintain its active role in international standardization bodies like the African Organisation for Standardisation to align Nigeria’s construction regulations with global best practices.

With the frequency of building collapses posing an ever-growing risk to lives and property, stakeholders insist that immediate government action is necessary. The passage of the National Building Code into law is seen as a critical step toward enhancing construction safety and restoring public confidence in the industry. As discussions continue, the focus remains on the National Assembly to implement decisive policies that will prevent further tragedies and create a safer built environment for all Nigerians.

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Speaking at the National Conference on the Building and Construction Sector, held in Abuja, Enoh underscored the urgent need for industry-wide collaboration to reinforce standards and prevent further loss of life and property.

The conference, themed “Adherence to Standard Practices: Bedrock of Sustainable Development in the Building/Construction Sector,” gathered notable figures from the industry, including engineers, builders, town planners, architects, and regulators, to address the causes of construction failures and to chart a path toward a safer, more resilient building sector.

In his address, Enoh emphasized that aligning construction practices with approved standards is crucial to national safety and aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to economic growth. “Putting a stop to the unending incidents of building and construction collapses requires courage and unity among all stakeholders. Adhering strictly to agreed standards will significantly contribute to the administration’s priority of safeguarding lives and property,” he stated.

The minister expressed concern over a growing culture of disregard for standards in the construction sector, where compromised materials and practices are becoming alarmingly common. He lamented that “compromising on standards has almost become the norm,” and added that such actions “pose a threat to the robustness and sustainability of Nigeria’s most critical infrastructure sector.”

Enoh praised SON for hosting the conference and highlighted the need for a proactive regulatory environment, stating, “My hope is that the discussions here will resonate across Nigeria, impacting not only the building and construction sector but also instilling a broader culture of accountability.”

He emphasized that focusing on pre-construction standards and a strict enforcement framework is essential to fostering resilience and promoting a safe and sustainable built environment.

Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, the Director General of SON, echoed the minister’s call for unified action, emphasizing that SON is adopting a proactive approach to ensure up-to-date standards that respond to industry advancements. “We are committed to reducing substandard products by updating standards and aligning them with global best practices,” Okeke stated.

He further emphasized that SON’s mission is to build a resilient construction sector that supports economic growth and social development. “Collaboration is crucial in bridging knowledge gaps, promoting adherence to standards, and creating a culture of quality and accountability across the sector,” he added.

The President of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Prof. A.Z. Abubakar who was represented by Engr. Olaolu Ogunduyile, Vice President of COREN, urged SON to engage stakeholders actively in their regulatory processes. He stressed that cooperation among regulatory bodies, professional associations, and trade unions is essential to uphold the codes and standards that underpin sustainable development in the built environment. “As professionals, we must adhere to our codes of conduct and practice, ensuring they form the foundation of sustainable development within the industry,” he stated.

Highlighting the role of professional accountability, Bldr. Samson Ameh Opaluwah, Chairman of the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON), reaffirmed CORBON’s dedication to strict standards, saying, “Collaboration among stakeholders is key to curbing building collapses in Nigeria. We will continue to adhere to standard practices to ensure a better building sector.”

Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, called for a united front against quackery in the industry. “All stakeholders must join hands to combat substandard practices and materials in construction,” she urged. “Addressing these issues is essential to prevent the devastation caused by building collapses.”

The Minister’s remarks, calling for courage and commitment, struck a chord with attendees. He assured the audience of the federal government’s support, adding that the Renewed Hope Administration under President Tinubu is fully committed to enhancing the sector’s standards.

Professor Samson Duna, Director General and CEO of the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI), called for an end to the incessant building collapses across the country, urging SON and stakeholders to ensure that all processes and procedures in building and construction are strictly followed. “Every professional in the sector must know their role and collaborate with others rather than interfering in the work of another professional body,” he added.

The event enjoyed the support of the Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN) and prominent members of the foremost housing advocacy group in Africa were present. The conference served as a unifying platform for stakeholders to discuss solutions, share insights, and strengthen partnerships, to build a safer and more sustainable future for Nigeria’s construction sector.

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Under the theme “Adherence to Standards Practices: The Bedrock of Sustainable Development in the Building Sector,” the event aims to convene key stakeholders to discuss the vital role of regulatory standards in promoting long-term, sustainable development.

The event is hosted by Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, Director General and Chief Executive of the Standards Organization of Nigeria, while the Chief Host is Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Honorable Minister of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment.

The conference has garnered strong support from the Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN), which applauded SON’s commitment to enhancing construction quality and safety across the nation.

“This forum presents an essential platform for industry players to address the critical need for high standards in building practices,” HDAN stated. “We are fully aligned with SON’s mission to improve Nigeria’s building sector and foster a sustainable approach.”

SON’s Director of Public Relations, Foluso Bolaji, emphasized the collaborative nature of the conference, noting that “the participation of all stakeholders is vital in promoting sustainability and ensuring compliance within Nigeria’s construction sector.” Topics such as compliance, quality control, and the long-term benefits of standards adherence will form the foundation of the day’s discussions.

As the conference approaches, SON and HDAN are poised to strengthen the commitment toward safe, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure for Nigeria’s future.

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